The Utah Division of Arts & Museums recently secured new funding from a national grant program to advance creative aging programs for older adults in Utah. The Creative Aging, Creative Futures program, a joint initiative of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies and E.A. Michelson Philanthropy, builds upon the remarkable success of previous initiatives: Leveraging State Investments in Creative Aging and States Leading Creative Aging. These vital investments have strengthened creative aging issue leadership for state arts agencies, significantly expanded arts opportunities for older adults, further integrated the arts into state aging services, and enhanced expertise in creative aging program delivery.
Our agency secured $77,500 for a project called Creative Aging Advancement Collaboration, a three-pillar initiative designed to improve the landscape of creative aging through strategic support, direct service, and professional capacity building. Central to this effort is a partnership with the Utah Creative Aging Coalition to bolster the Kaleidoscope Festival, a premier statewide event that champions the well-being of older adults through immersive creative engagement.
Expanding the reach of those served, UA&M will also implement specialized, sequential arts learning programs within state-run veterans homes. These residencies go beyond simple activities, offering residents the opportunity for deep artistic engagement and meaningful social connection.
To ensure a lasting impact, the initiative invests in the future of Utah’s arts workforce by partnering with Lifetime Arts. Through high-level professional development, UA&M will equip local artists and administrators with national best practices in creative aging.
By integrating these three pillars, UA&M is providing immediate programming and building a sustainable, statewide infrastructure that honors and empowers Utah’s aging population through the transformative power of the arts.
